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SMC Board prepares improvements

Saint Mary’s Board of Governance held its first official meeting of the new school year on Monday. President Elizabeth Jablonski-Diehl reviewed improvements they plan to implement.

The meeting was opened with a discussion on the revised Saint Mary’s mission statement. Vice President for Mission Sr. Rose Anne Schultz distributed copies of the mission statement printed on bookmarks to board members.

Schultz emphasized that there is a renewed commitment to the college mission statement this year. It was also noted that the mission statement will be an important tool in the search for a new college President.

BOG members also discussed efforts to improve communication and involvement between the student body and the governing board. One of the keys, Public Relations Commissioner Stephanie Patka said, is to refine the information given to students.

“We are trying to consolidate everything into one stall news because it is much more effective,” Patka said in reference to a BOG bulletin posted in campus bathrooms.

Board members also intend to reward those students who hang the BOG monthly calendar in their rooms with a prize. The board hopes the incentive will increase awareness and participation in campus activities.

In addition to the BOG bulletin and Web site, students will now be able to access times, places and dates of events by calling the Activities line at 284-4809. Board members have been promoting this resource by posting door decorations with the number on students’ doors.

Furthermore, BOG intends to improve its relationship with The Observer to clearly communicate with students.

” We are working on our relationship with The Observer so we can get information to them in a timely manner,” said Patka.

In other BOG News

u Saint Mary’s is launching a shadowing program in which current upperclassmen will have the opportunity to shadow a Saint Mary’s alumna while on the job. The first information meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday in the Noble Family Dining Hall.

u The “Busy Person’s Retreat” will begin this Sunday prior to the regular 9 p.m. campus mass. The retreat is designed for those who are unable to attend a weekend-long event. Participants will give up one hour of their day for reflection and prayer.

u Due to a lack of demand, the Cushwa-Leighton library hours have been experimentally cutback.

Library staff noted that there were few or no students in the library on Friday or Saturday evenings, as well as on Sunday mornings. Students are encouraged to express their opinions on the new hours.